AFL Faces Ongoing Homophobia Issues After First Openly Bisexual Player Discloses

Mitch Brown's announcement as the first openly bisexual AFL player has sparked widespread support and highlighted ongoing issues of homophobia within the league. AFL Players’ Association president Darcy Moore praised Brown's courage and emphasized the need for cultural change, acknowledging that homophobic slurs remain a significant problem despite past efforts, as evidenced by recent suspensions like Izak Rankine's four-match ban. Experts and advocates argue the AFL has not made sufficient progress since committing to combat homophobia in 2014, with ingrained cultural problems persisting. Influencer Scot O’Halloran, who revealed a secret relationship with a retired AFL player, criticized AFL CEO Andrew Dillon for a perceived lenient response to Rankine's slur, calling for harsher penalties and more support for LGBTQ+ players. The AFL leadership insists on continuing commitment to inclusivity, but critics and players alike call for stronger actions and policy changes to create a safer and more welcoming environment. The conversation remains a critical moment for the AFL to reflect and take tangible steps toward eradicating homophobia in the sport.